In Canada, approximately 30,000 concussions or related head injuries are reported annually among 12-to-19-year-old children and youth (Stats Canada 2011).

A family physician/nurse practitioner is often the first medical professional seen by the child or youth following the injury. Parents look to you for proper identification, management, and education regarding concussions. All Ontario school boards have a comprehensive concussion policy that requires physician assessment and approval for return to school and physical activity.

Concussion AlgorithmHamilton Public Health Services, McMaster University and McMaster Children’s Hospital developed a concussion algorithm for identification and management with a list of Hamilton community services.